Our Story

In the mid-1970s, through the efforts of the Diocese of Southwest Florida and Trinity-by-the-Cove and other local churches, St. Mary’s Church began its new life as an organized mission church. With only 34 parishioners holding services in temporary space at the First United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church established its foundation as a caring, supportive Christian community.
Throughout its forty-plus year history, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church has continued this tradition, attracting full-time parishioners, seasonal congregants and vacationing Episcopalians who increasingly return to the beauty of southwest Florida and this place of traditional worship. Within this growing faith community, seniors and young families are all welcome to join a vibrant church family which has grown now to more than 400 members, where…Word and Sacrament come together in celebration and service.

The talents of this diverse and supportive group of parishioners are generously spread over the fabric of parish life. The ministries and activities of our parish cover the whole spectrum from involvement in liturgy, Christian formation through care for others, inter-faith community projects and international outreach support and the upkeep of church property and buildings and ongoing financial stewardship.

As part of its response to the changing needs of the community, St. Mary’s offers regularly scheduled services and communion at Bentley Village in Naples and The Terraces in Bonita Springs.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church continues its steadfast resolve to offer opportunities for learning and individual spiritual growth. With three weekend services and daily services during the week, a developing music program to enhance the worship experience, a responsive group of priests and associate priests supported by a pastoral care team, St. Mary’s Church invites you to join the congregation for worship or to make a quiet visit to its modern, light-filled church.

Come Visit us This Weekend

Milestones

constructed
1976
Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church of Naples purchases a 5 ½ acre site on Bonita Beach Road and donates it to the Diocese of Southwest Florida to build a new church for the area’s growing population.
parish
1978
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is incorporated as an organized mission church.
first service
1980
St. Mary’s holds its first service in its new building (All Saints Hall), which serves as a church and parish fellowship center (now, Penny Wise Thrift Shop).
thrift store
1988
St. Mary’s Penny Wise Thrift Shop opens in a local rented storefront.
parish
1990
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is designated as a parish.
consecrated
1993
The new church is dedicated and consecrated.
st. luke
2000
The Order of St. Luke Ministry begins providing comfort and healing in body, mind and spirit to any who reach out for assurance that Jesus Christ hears and answers prayers.
Parish Life Center
2002
The Parish Life Center (PLC) is dedicated.
moves
2003
Penny Wise Thrift Shop moves to the “old” church building.
garden
2006
Flora Linda Garden
constructed and dedicated
pet cemetary
2013
The St. Francis Pet Cemetery opens.
memorial garden
2016
The All Soul’s Memorial Garden is created and dedicated.
celebrate 40 years
2017
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church…Celebrates 40 Years of Christian Caring.